An Americans 40th Birthday is plagued with comments and negative statements of ones biological inferiority. Although meant in good fun, why is 40 such a big deal? Many are un-wavered by aging and others are frightened of the thought, however; we will all degenerate, grow old, regress, or any other word one would care to use.

You are growing old right now! Growing older is obviously a natural, biological fact, but is it more? Is growing older a social and cultural perception? One which affects those who grow old to a negative or positive degree, depending upon what culture they are naturally acculturated? I believe growing old is in fact largely social and cultural, not just biological; it is a matter of perception, and in America a negative one.

If one was to go shopping at a local card store, there is an array of products that support ageism or the disvaluing of those who are considered biologically and culturally old. Forty is usually the designated number in the United States as getting old; however, this is not always the case; it really depends upon physical characteristics and formalized numeral age upon ones social record. From birthday cards of elderly people displayed in derogatory ways to devices that insinuate being older, the negative messages are endless. Unfortunately, these statements to all who visualize or comprehend these messages are that growing older is something that one should avoid as long as possible; it